I want the FREEDOM TOUR to change the world – for Jesus. What I really mean, of course, is fix the world. Or at least end human trafficking. Still a bit aggressive? Then let’s at least save 22 kids. Surely we can do that, right? For Jesus? Except, Jesus never asked us to do any […]
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A Jersey Tale
Our 10th Anniversary FREEDOM TOUR jersey tells a story. It’s more than a conglomeration of symbols, logos, and words. Each element was intentionally chosen as part of a narrative written by thousands of cyclists and volunteers during our 10-year history. FRONT: The FREEDOM TOUR logo features the mountains of our Colorado home. The butterfly symbolizes […]
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Legacy
“What kind of legacy do you want the FREEDOM TOUR to leave?” I guess it’s because of our 10th Anniversary. When people start asking about “legacy,” it can’t be about my advancing age, right? It’s gotta be the 10th Anniversary. Honestly, legacy isn’t a big concern for me. I’m doing what I can, and doing […]
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Safe
“I’d do whatever it takes to keep my children safe.” Most parents would agree. Their highest priority is their family’s safety. Going further, most of us would agree about certain things. Better to be adequately fed than starved, better to be housed than homeless, better to be healthy than sick. We all want those basic […]
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The Right Language
Undeniably, our language has become coarser. Internet, TV, written media – we’re in a downward spiral of harsh public expression. And while angry, destructive commentary has become “acceptable,” I’m not sure it’s helpful. “Tell it like it is” is a lazy substitute for well-crafted communication. As a classroom teacher, I had this “language” discussion frequently. […]
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Scouting
As part of the FREEDOM TOUR, we get to do fun stuff. Becky and I spent 2 days this week scouting routes for the COLORADO MOUNTAIN TOUR. We drove several hundred miles on the beautiful mountain roads surrounding the Gunnison Valley. We checked out road conditions, lunch stops, bathroom availability – all the details that […]
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A Small Army
The FREEDOM TOUR CLASSIC runs on a small army of volunteers. It’s my sorta funny tagline as we ask people to hold a sign, ring a cowbell, or do one of the other important tasks that make this day so much fun. An important cause. Great people. Good food. What’s not to love? Why doesn’t […]
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More About Shoes
Last time I wrote about my friend *Josh. I asked us to walk in the other guy’s shoes. Maybe you wonder how this relates to a bike ride. What does Josh’s story of addiction rehab have to do with human trafficking? Earlier this week I spoke with a guy who operates a home for girls who’ve […]
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Different Shoes
Josh* described growing up as a rebel. Dad wasn’t around, mom worked two jobs to keep food on the table, so Josh was pretty much on his own. In high school there was drinking and drugs and legal trouble. Now he’s in his early thirties. Never had a driver’s license. Weeps openly about how much […]
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Goofy
Scrolling through our photos…we memorialize some unusual moments. Who knew you could be goofy and serve Jesus? T-shirt? Dress? Night-shirt? I’m wondering why this was photo worthy. On the other hand, 25 miles on Sue’s 77th birthday was a great excuse to celebrate! Somehow, we need to convince people to “keep the rubber side down.”
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Plank People
I hate to admit it, but sometimes I’m a plank person. Jesus said I should take the plank out of my own eye before fussing about the speck in another’s eye. That’s hard. I’d rather point out your imperfections than confront my own. Plank people are like sight-impaired eye surgeons. They think they’re helping, but […]
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Keep Calm
Every year, people greet our cyclists with encouraging, creative signs. Didn’t Winston Churchill say something like this? When you’re struggling up a hill, this is a pretty good reminder. This one incorporated the Project Rescue butterfly — a symbol of hope and re-birth. A perfectly-drawn Rich’s Ride logo… And – Jim’s grandkids thought this was […]
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